Football | Absa Premiership

Pirates offload Okonkwo, Chinyama

Premier Soccer League club Orlando Pirates have released Nigerian midfielder Onyekachi Okonkwo and Zimbabwean striker Takesure Chinyama, following the expiry of their contracts.

"We have released them and given them their clearances. Their contracts have expired," said Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza in an interview with the Sowetan.

Chinyama’s departure should make space for Bloemfontein Celtic striker Lennox Bacela, who is reportedly close to signing for Pirates. In exchange, Pirates will loan out one or two players to Celtic.

“Orlando Pirates Football Club would like to confirm that midfielder Onyekachi Okonkwo and striker Takesure Chinyama will not be part of the squad for the 2013/14 season. Both players were handed letters last week by management confirming their releases.

“The club would like to thank Mr Okonkwo and Mr Chinyama for their services and wish them the best in their future endeavours,” the club said in a statement on their website.